That Guy With the Birds: Pittsburgh Haven for Exotic Birds
Vandergrift, Pennsylvania. This river town located in southwestern PA is not exactly a place flourishing with lush wildlife, nor is it an environment attracting the likes of exotic animals. However, John Lege, known as his alias “That Guy With The Birds” calls this place his hometown. As a child John would visit his great aunt who always had little parrots as pets. “They would land on your shoulders and on your head. If you did laundry they’d sit on the clothesline with you, and they never flew away. It’s because they trusted us,” John explains. His passion for fascinating and unusual birds has grown into an educational business venture that brings these creatures into lives of children, adults, and elders.
For 35 years, John has taken in, cared for, and presented parrots and various other kinds of birds. But just how many? “I thought when I got to 50 birds that was enough,” John tells me. “I now have 138 parrots, the eldest being 66 years old.” How did he come across so many? Well, that Guy with the Birds takes in unwanted and neglected parrots. He travels across the country and presents the birds to audiences of all ages and educates people on the life and care of parrots. “There are many pet myths. Pet store employees will tell you what you want to hear. I tell it like it is.”
John insists that parrots are not meant to be caged, and that is why he houses his birds in three separate aviaries, and not one parrot has clipped wings. So why haven’t they made a break for it? John takes time to understand his birds’ emotions and feelings, just as you would a human being. Since parrots are native to jungles and forests, they take proper education and understanding to raise as a pet. “Birds are demanding and complicated. You can’t just throw them in a kennel. You can’t clip their wings and throw them in a cage for long hours.” John’s enthusiasm for birds, parrots, and the education of the masses is a true inspiration to our culture and society. He is a testament to the adage to make your dreams a reality. That Guy With The Birds is compelled to reach out to as many people as he can, while at the same time spreading his love for his winged companions.
For a listing of future shows and events and to find out more about That Guy With the Birds visit www.thatguywiththebirds.com
Photos by Ken Sprouse Jr
